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SAN BRUNO, Calif. --- The University of Portland was awarded the 2012-13 West Coast Conference REPRESENT Cup, which is awarded to the member institution that receives the greatest number of Conference sportsmanship points during the academic year. The Cup was awarded at the WCC Honors Dinner last Wednesday, June 5th at the Napa Valley Marriott in Napa, Calif.

The Portland Pilots garnered the most points in the REPRESENT Cup race, winning the team sportsmanship awards in the sports of men's basketball, men's tennis, baseball and women's rowing. In addition, the Pilots also received this year's "extra point" from the WCC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for the most creative sportsmanship campaign implemented on campus. The Pilots implemented "Pilot Pals," which partnered two teams on campus to support one another throughout the season both on and off the field of competition.

In addition to the institutional sportsmanship award, the individual sportsmanship award winners were also recognized at the WCC Honors Dinner. The campus SAAC groups selected Loyola Marymount baseball player Cullen Mahoney and Saint Mary's volleyball player Missy White as this year's honorees.

Mahoney was described as an amazing young man who believed in being there for others and respected the game of baseball and his opponents. This past year, one of his fellow student-athletes lost her mother due to a tragic situation. A few months later, at a baseball game, in which this student-athlete sang the national anthem, Cullen made sure that her father joined the team on the field to be there for a moment of silence. In addition, he asked that the father throw out the first pitch, and Mahoney was at home plate to catch it.

Mahoney was also described by his teammates as a strong leader, supportive teammate, and friend who worked hard and motivated others through his actions. Off the field, Cullen supported fellow athletes at their respective games, was involved in SAAC and various community service projects, and challenged his teammates to get more involved on campus. He also spoke at LMU's Student-Athlete Academic Recognition Luncheon and talked about the importance of each student-athlete, preparing for their future and giving back to their community.

White was nominated for her commitment to service and the SAAC community. White served as a WCC SAAC representative for four years and a representative of the National SAAC for two years. She also worked alongside several other members in order to organize a shoe distribution that took place during the NCAA final four. She was described by her teammates as a great captain that was supportive and motivating.

When White was injured before her final season, she continued to attend every practice and game to provide support for her teammates. She treated opponents and teammates with great respect and humility in both win and loss and often showed her support for the various other teams on the Saint Mary's campus.

REPRESENTThe REPRESENT campaign is the West Coast Conference's sportsmanship campaign, which encourages the elevation of teams during competition rather than negative behavior. Since its launch in 2009, the REPRESENT campaign has transformed into a conference-wide celebration of WCC student-athletes' competitiveness, character and commitment to "representing" themselves both on and off the playing field.